Custodian Spotlight: David Beckett

If you’ve spent any time on Hout Bay Beach, chances are you’ve seen David Beckett doing what he does best - litter picker in one hand, cleanup bag in the other, quietly transforming the shoreline day after day. From 9am to 2pm, 5 days a week, David walks the stretch of beach he’s called home since moving from Johannesburg back in 1999.

David cleaning up his backyard (Hout Bay beach)

What began as a simple one-off cleanup on 1 March 2017 has grown into an unwavering, eight-year commitment. Driven by his love for the ocean, the mountains, and the belief that small, consistent actions stack up to meaningful change, David hasn’t missed a beat since that very first day.

His late mother remains his guiding light. Inheriting her Nikon D7000 sparked a passion for photography, and through every image - from sweeping beachscapes to portraits and wildlife - he honours her memory and keeps her spirit close.

Beyond custodianship, David is a loyal sports fan, a weekend braai master alongside his brother Glen, and a dreamer with a heartfelt vision: to one day marry his perfect partner on the very beach he helps protect.

David officially joined Protect Our Paths in March 2025, and ever since, he has become a true beacon for the programme. Through the combined support of Protect Our Paths and the local Hout Bay NPC, the Feel Good Initiative, his work has evolved into something far bigger than himself. His dedication doesn’t just keep Hout Bay beautiful - it inspires everyone who crosses his path to care a little more and take responsibility for the places they love.

Since March, David has collected over 1,700 kg of litter from Hout Bay Beach (as of 14 January 2026) - the equivalent weight of a Toyota Fortuna! Every kilogram represents waste that never reached our ocean, our wildlife, or our precious marine ecosystems. His story is a powerful reminder of how custodianship and environmental care can shape a cleaner, healthier coastline for generations to come.

Each day David weighs his plastic collected and records it in his book.

David dreams of inspiring the next generation of beach custodians - young people who will step forward with the same passion and purpose, working toward a cleaner, greener future.

Thank you David for inspiring us to Keep Protecting our Paths.

Protect our Paths

Nurturing Nature, Progressing People.